7-17-2013 - 5 pm - A Longmont Police officer turned himself in Wednesday to face charges of sexual assault on a helpless victim and criminal invasion of privacy for sexual gratification.

KMGH

Copyright 2013 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

LONGMONT, Colo. - A Longmont Police officer turned himself in Wednesday to face charges of sexual assault on a helpless victim and criminal invasion of privacy for sexual gratification.

Christopher Martinchick, 43, was investigated by the Larimer County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators said while Martinchick is a police officer, the case is not related to Martinchick's employment.

"There was no threat to the general public during this investigation nor was it related to Mr. Martinchick's employment as a police officer," officials said in a news release.

The victim is an adult female. However, investigators did not release any addition information about the crimes, including what happened to the victim or where the crimes happened.

"Since he is a police officer, it only amplifies our commitment to seek justice for the victim," Larimer County Sheriff Justin Smith told 7NEWS.

Martinchick's bond was set at $25,000.

Deputies said the Longmont Police Department has cooperated with the investigation.

Longmont Police issued a statement after the arrest that said: "We are understandably disappointed and embarrassed that one of our police officers has been arrested and accused of committing such serious crimes. The Longmont Police Service takes pride in the service we provide to the public and hold sacred the trust that our community places with our department and our officers. This type of conduct if proven to be true, is unacceptable under our code of conduct, and will be dealt with in an appropriate manner when a disposition in this matter is reached. Be assured that the Longmont Police Service has and will continue to fully cooperate in the criminal investigation," Craig Earhart, Deputy Public Safety Chief.

Copyright 2013 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.